The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-11-24
Washington letter.
WASHINGTON, d. G., Nov. 10, 1887

WASHINGTON, d. q, Nov. 10, 1887.
An official of the next House of Rep
resentatives shows the political com
plexion Of that body to be a. follows:
Democrats l89, Republicans l5S, and
Independents l. In the Democratic
caucus it will require IS votes to nom
mate. At present no contest Is appa
rent except over the Office of door
keeper though if there should be
change IN that position, geographical
considerations would probably lead 10
a complete change Of House officials.
1t is of course conceded that Mr.. Car
lisie will be his own successor without
opposition in his own party. Ii is he
| lieved that the contest fer the Ex-
Speakers seat will not amount to
anything. His intimate friends give
out that, when the House assemblies
and ORG anizes, and the contest is being
considered, Mr.. Carlisle will vacate
the chair and cell the veteran Penn
sylvania Republican, VIM. ID. Kelley,
who is known as the Father OF the
House, to preside during the investi
cation of his title, course that will
generally be commended for its fair
ness.
The Virginia contempt cases are
again before the United States Su.
preme Court for final adjudication,
and it is announced that decision
will be rendered on next Monday
week. Ex Senator Senator Roscoe
Conkiipg appeared in behalf of the
State OF Virginia, but his argument
was tame and spiritless and did not
touch on the main point at issue-the
question of the reserved rights of the
states under the Federal Constitution.
Ii il SUSPECTED that the famous New
Yorker was chary of placing himself
upon record in manner that nigh;
initiate against his political ambition
The recent decision of the Supreme
Court adverse to the patentee of
driven wells" fills the hearts OF
millions of farmers with gladness. be,
cause if the verdict had been favora
BILE to the inventor he would have
reaped royalty of ten dollars esch ~,
the three million drive wolls in the
United States-amounting to $50 ,On,
900. The issue gained was only the
idea of making a well by driving All
iron pipe to the water. The State
Oranges of Iowa and Minnesota voted
COX nnn to fvh ho valiant
The probability that at present the
postal business of the country is on d
paying basis. speaks volumes for the
ability and economy of the reform ad.
ministration which President Cleve
land is giving the nation. For many
years past the deficiencies have
amounted to from eight to fifteen mil.
lions per annum, but for the fiscal
year ending June 80, 1886, lit was $6,.
900, 900 since then it was reduced to
, about $4,000, 900 and for the year just
past, the deficiency was reduced to
one million dollars. Then, it ought
to be matter of pride to all Ameri
cans TO remember that their posta
service is the most extensive in the
world
. AS another striking instance of hon
est work aud reform methods In the
public service, it Is worthy of mention
that for the first time in the history o
the Pension Office, the Board of Ap
pesls is up with its misunderstanding
during this year disposed of four thou
sand cases. Last years edition of thu
Pension laws. which can be procured
by application, gives full and practica
Information of the present acts. TIL.
Mexican veterans have waited so long
for recognition Of their services thai
the Commissioner, with the view o.
rapidly disposing of their cases, ha,
placed an extra force of clerks on the
work
The conflict of authority between
Secretary Lamar and Mr.. Sparks
, Commissioner of the General LanG
Office. has resulted, as was generally
anticipated, in the latter's resignation
1t appears that these officials were In
accord As regards the general land pol
icy of the administration. but thai
they differed radically AS to the propsl
construction of some of the railroad
land grant acts, Both Mr.. Lamar and
Mr.. Sparks mean well, but they could
not agree-and the former acted wise.
ly in preventing the alternative of the
resignation of one or the other. II
seems that Mr.. Lamsr wanted 10 vim
dictate himself aud clear the way fel
his successor.
There are those who believe that the
ferocious Tuitle, OF Grand Army of the
Republic fame, is frauuulentlv on tLe
Pension rolls, and an investigation oI
the matter is now in progress.